Public consultations are being held regarding a proposed onshore wind farm in South Lanarkshire, with the potential to generate over 280MW of renewable energy – enough to power all of the homes in South Lanarkshire and Motherwell combined.
The 40-turbine Bodinglee Wind Farm, being developed by Banks Renewables, will be located on the south east of Douglas in South Lanarkshire, across both sides of the M74. If consented the wind farm is expected to generate approximately £56m over its planned lifetime in community funding.
The Scottish economy will reportedly benefit from £475m, as a result of the company’s Connect2Renewables initiative – a strategy through which the developer, in partnership with local authorities, aims to maximise the benefits of renewable energy developments for local people, through employment and training.
Gordon Thomson, Head of Projects at Banks Renewables (pictured below left), said:
“Given the scale of Bodinglee and the potential for it to deliver deep and broad benefits for the region and Scotland as a whole, it’s vital we continue our discussions with the local community throughout the process.
“We are listening. We want to hear local views on the design of the project and how it can benefit the local community. The scale of this project means that, working in partnership with the communities, we can think big and potentially address hard to tackle issues like fuel poverty, regional unemployment and the wider regeneration of nature. This is a great opportunity for people living locally to help shape plans for the project and the benefits that it could bring to communities in the area and beyond.”
The public consultations will take place between 19-21 July, with those unable to make the in-person meetings able to register for telephone calls or e-meetings.
More information on the wind farm and/or the consultations can be found here.
